By Kristi Waterworth Springtime isn’t the same without the precisely painted blooms of the azalea, floating in clusters just above the ground like big, vibrant clouds. Sadly, leaf gall on azaleas can ruin these picture-perfect moments by destroying leaf tissue, twigs and buds and leaving severely disfigured tissue in its wake. Armed with azalea leaf gall info, however, you can protect your azaleas from this dreaded fungus and ensure many more breathtaking springs. What Causes Azalea Leaf Gall? Unlike many galls that appear on woody plants and trees, leaf gall on azaleas is caused by the fungus Exobasidium vaccinii, a wind-borne fungus that can overwinter on bark and within buds; other fungi in this genus affect camellias, blueberry and rhododendron. You’ll most often see azalea leaf gall appear in wet springs or on azaleas that are planted in corners or massed in tight groupings. The fungus needs considerable moisture to mature, so
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